Method for testing wells



Nov. 23, 1943.

J. E. GosLlNE'E-rAL METHOD FOR TESTING WELLS Filed Sept. 16, 1940 INVENTORS JAMES E. GOSLINE WILLIAM R. POSTLEWAITE WALTER G. MILLER ATTORNEY w Patented Nov. 23, 1943 METHOD FOR TESTING WELLS James E. Gosline, Berkeley, William E; Postlev waitePalo Alto, and Walter G. Miller, Albany, Calif., assignors to Standard Oil Company of California, San Francisco, Calif., a corporation of Delaware Application September 16, 1940, Serial No. 356,996

` 4 claims. (c1. 'za-. si)

This invention relates to a method for,` testiner the productivity of the various strata communicatingwith a well such as an oil well, and particularly refers to the determination of the direction and rate of ow of uids such as oil, gas and water into or out of each of said zones during controlled flow and pressure conditions atthe top of the well. Apparatus shown herein is claimed in our copending divisional application Serial No. 431,052 led February 16, 1942.

In the production of oil and gas it isV common practice to drill through a number of vertically spaced and sometimes Widely separated productive strata or formations andthen complete the well by setting a casing or a liner which is selectively perforated at points opposite those strata or formations which are known orbelieved to be productive of oil or gas.

Several methods of investigating the productivity of the different strata open to a'well have been used. Certain of the electricalproperties of the rocks have been helpful in this regard, such properties being determined by the commonly utilized procedures for electrical coring developed by Schlumberger. Another method `of obtaining useful information relative to the vertical distribution of productivity, results from a study of the actual cores obtained from the intervals exposed to the well. y Some informationof a less detailed but more direct nature may be obtained by formation testing in which--provided a pressure recorder is employed in conjunction with' the testing tooldata may be obtained on the pressure-production characteristics of the interval being tested as Well as data relative to the nature of the uids being produced from the interval under test. The main disadvantage of this procedure, however, is that ordinarily the number of intervals or stages which may be tested over, the major interval being studied is not suiiicient to provide the degree of detail required in many problems.

The value of a knowledge of the vertical distribution of productivity in lconnection with individual well problems as well as reservoir'problems is generally recognized by engineers and operators. Atypical application of this type of information is in connection with the determination of locations for perforations in the casing or liner which is placed opposite the total interval exposed and which may be cemented. Another applica-J tion of this type of information is that of the nature of selective zonal production program to follow, provided it is desired to produce the vari'- ous zones individually.

The methods which have been previously mentioned as yielding information useful in determining the variation in vertical productivity can be employed only before a well casing or pipe is placed in the Well opposite the productive intervals. In actual practice there has been no easy and rapid method of determining the relative production of oil, gas and water from the individual strata which communicate through perforations or otherwise with the interior of the well casing or liner.

oftentimes in the case of such a multiple zone well in which the complete interval is opened to the well bore Without packers, thel lower pressure zone or zones may not contribute fluids at the pressuresfprevailing opposite this particular zone or zones at the given rate of total production from the multiple zone well.

In such an event the distribution of velocity obtained by means of a currentmeter opposite these zones would indicate either `that these low pressure zones were contributing lno fluids to the 'main stream or else possibly that these zones were multaneous measurement of the distribution of pressures within the bore hole of the multiple zone well. For this rea-son it is usually essential that the flow meter or iiuid velocity meter be run simultaneously with a depth pressure recorder for the purpose of obtaining these measurements. Another reason for running the depth pressure recorder along with the velocity meter is that the velocity meter simply measures velocity, whereas in many instances it is desirable t0 obtain a knowledge of the density of the fluid flowing at the particular point of velocity measured. For example, in many instances free gas enters the well bore from one of the contributing zones along with the oil. Such entrance could be interpreted as an inflow of oil so far as the velocity measurements alone are concerned. A pressure traverse opposite the point of gas entry will, however, disclose the fact that the material entering the well bore at this point has a lower density than the material immediately below the point of entry.

An additional corroborative type of measurement which may be incorporated to advantage with the pressure measurement, to verify the type of fluid entering the well bore, is that of a preciable volumes of gas to the main stream will have a tendency to cool the fluid opposite the point or points of entry and such cooling effect may be measured and recorded by any one of the several types of accurate thermometers now available. In some instances, therefore, it may be desirable to incorporate the recording thermometer in conjunction with the velocity meter or the velocity meter and pressure recorder combination. Since ordinarily it is not feasible or desirable to measure absolute velocities at different points in the bore hole, it may'only be necessary in interpreting the readings obtained from the velocity meter at different depths to refer these readings to some datum condition. The condition which may best be chosen as a datum is that at the top of the interval being studied, since at this point the total flow from the underlying zones is passing the cross section, hence the procedure in making such determination may best consist in first determining the reading at this point and referring all other readings'obtained at points below this to the reading at this point. Y'

In certain instances a multiple'zone well having a zone or zones of considerably higher pressure than other zones opened to the same well will, when partially or completelyshut in, thus changing thel back pressure against which the zones produce, exhibit the characteristic of repressuring the lower pressure zones by flow of fluids from the higher pressurezones. Depending upon whether the zone or zones being repressured are above or below the zone or zones furnishing the fluids, the direction of flow as indicated by the current meter will be either upward or downward. Hence, it is desirable in making measurements on wells of this type to vhave available a flow meter or velocity measuring device which is capable of indicating the direction' of flow of fluids within the well bore. This invention comprehends broadly the measurement of the upward or downward flow of fluid in the well bore at successive points between those formations which are considered to be releasing fluid into the bore or receiving it therefrom. At'the same time it may be desirable to determine the density and temperature of the fluidso that a complete understanding of the nature of its flow may be known. Density determinations may be made by the Awell known means as hereinbefore set forth, such as the pressure recorder of United States Patents No. 1,955,855 and No. 2,115,018 or samplers such as that covered by Patent No. 2,147,983. The temperature determinations may be made by other well known means such as those of Patent No. 2,076,211. Desirably, but not necessarily, the flow of fluids should be measured at the center of the conduit or passage so that radial eddies, turbulence or other flow disturbing factors which may influence this determination may be minimized. i

It is an object of this invention to provide a method for obtaining a continuous measurement of the rate at which fluid, such as oil, gas or water or a mixture of them, may enter or leave the well bore of a well from a given production zone or zones having communication with a well bore through an openv face of an learth interval or through perforations in a casing or liner and under controlled conditions of back pressure and total outflow of fluids from the top of thewell.

Another object is to provide amethod for 2,334,920 ltemperature determination. The inflow of aptraversing a well and casing thereof to give an indication of the relative quantities of fluids, such as oil, gas and water or a mixture of them, which may be entering or leaving the well at any given interval which is opened to the productive earth formations.

Another object is to provide a method for measuring the rate and direction of fluid flow, the temperature and the density of the fluids which pass upward through the well bore throughout a given interval in its length.

. Another object is to provide a method for determining the fluid flow in a well bore substantially in the center of the fluid stream so that the effect of the high radial velocities into the casing or liner through the perforations may be minimized.

'Ihese and other objects and advantages will be found apparent from the `following description and from the attached drawing which forms a part of this specification and illustrates a preferred embodiment of means for carrying out this invention as applied to the measurement of fluid flow at various points in a producing well.

In the drawing, Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view of a preferred form ofv flow meter in place in a well tubing.

Figure 2 is a horizontal view on line II-II of- Figure 1 showing a preferred form of impeller for the flow meter of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a horizontal sectional view on line y III III of Figure 1 showing an arrangement for connecting the electrical contactor of the flow meter to an electric cable extending to the top of the well.

Figure 4 is a horizontal sectional view on line IV-IV of Figure 1 showinga preferred arrangement of a centering guide.

Figure 5 is a horizontal sectional view of the centering device shown in Figure 4 in place in a well casing of larger diameter than the tubing, with vthe centering guides in expanded position.

Figure 6 is a vertical sectional diagrammatic view of a well showing a preferred arrangement of casing and tubing for determining the total flow of fluid.

Figure 7 is an enlarged horizontal sectional view on line VII- VII of Figure 1 showing a preferred form of contactor that may be used to indicate direction as well as rate of flow of the well fluids.

In the drawing, reference number I0 designates generally a well casing which extends downwardly from the surface of the earth to a point II, where it may be cemented or otherwise sealed above the producing formation. At the upper end'of casing I0 is a conventional casing head I2 provided with the usual outlet I3 for gas and means for supporting a central tubing I4 having one or more valved outlets I5. Below point II a liner or casing I6 extends downwardly through the upper strata and through the productive formations designated A, B, C, D. Opposite those formations which are believed to be productive, liner I6 is selectively perforated as at I 1, I8, I9, 2. The lower end of liner I6 is usually sealed as by a cement plug 23. 'Packer 25 may be used to seal the annular space between tubing I4 and the casing or liner I6. l

In order to carry out the procedure of this invention the means for testing fluid flow, density and temperature are necessarily of such an outer diameter as to pass freely through the bore of tubing I4 so that they may be lowered fromthe ductionrfrom the well. To that end, casing head I2 is provided with a stui'ling box 26V through which the test devices generally designated 21 may be lowered by means of a supporting cable 28, the latter also serving to transmit desired indications or electrical impulses to the surface, where they may be observed or recorded as temperature, pressure, density, fluid flow or any of these values. Figure 6 shows these several devices mounted within a single casing 21 or at least connected together to be adjacent to each other and in position below the lower part of tubing I4 and above any of the zones of perforations. Desirably, but not necessarily, the flow responsive means is placed at the bottom or top of assembly 21 so that it will be capable of measuring the flow of fluid at substantially the center of the flow stream. In order to facilitate this condition the test device 21 is preferably fitted with outwardly extending spring guides 29 having enough flexibility to center the test devices in the tubing I4 and also in the larger diameter liner I6 as are shown in Figures 4, and 6. n

Referring to Figures l to 5 inclusive, one preferred embodiment of a flow indicating means consists generally of a pair of limpellers 3|) mounted upon a central spindle 3 I, the latter being rotatably supported axially within a frame 32. The lower end of this frame is provided with a spider 33 carrying central bearing 34, preferably jeweled or at least arranged toimpose very little friction against the rotation .of spindle 3|. Intermediate its length, frame 32 is ported or slotted as at 35 and likewise is open at its lower end so that fluids passing upwardly or downwardly through the casing, tubing or liner in which it may be positioned will have free access to impellers 30 and the latter will be responsive to substantially the central portion of the flowing fluid stream. The upper end of spindle 3| is like- Wise journaled at 36 so as to be freely rotatable under the low fluid velocities usually encountered.

Adjacent the upper end of spindle 3| is a contacting mechanism, one form of which is shown in Figures 1 and '1 and which is adapted to close or open an electrical circuit in a predetermined manner for each revolution of the impellers and spindle. In this example, the Contactor comprises a thin flexible strip or wire 31 of corrosion resistant conducting material, preferably tungsten, silver plated bronze, or the like, which is supported by .a first terminal 38 and extends transversely past an eccentrically adjustable second terminal 39. Strip 31 is norrrallyin contact with second terminal 39 and is urged away from the latter by a small eccentric pin 40 and a spaced cam 46 secured to spindle 3l. If desired, this arrangement could be reversed s o that strip 31 would normally be out of contact with terminal 39 and would be urged into contact with the latter by the passage of pin 40 and cam 46. Terminal 38 is grounded to the frame 32 of the device, the other terminal being insulated by a suitable bushing 4| and connected to the spring 42 of a separable contactar 43 mounted at the upper end of frame 32.

In the example shown, if the direction of fluid flow causes spindle 3| to rotate in the direction of the arrow, Figure '1, pin 4I) will interrupt briey the contact between strip 31 and terminal 39 and shortly thereafter cam 46 will interrupt that contact for a longer period. Thus there will be a short break followed quickly by a longer break in .the opposite direction, for example downwardly instead of upwardly, the cam 46 will be first to act, followed by pin 40, so that there will be a. long break followed quickly by a short one. 'In this manner, not only the speed of rotation of the spindle 3| and impellers 30 and hence the rate of fluid ow in the well, mair be determined, but

also the direction of the rotation and the flow that ing, calibration and inspection of its relatively delicate parts and bearings. Contactor 43 is adapted to complete an electrical circuit with a suitably insulated electric cable 23 which extends upwardly to the surface of the earth. Cable 28 is illustrated as being of the single conductor type, the other part of the circuit being completed to the surface of the earth through member 44 and springs 29 which extend outwardly to contact metal casing I0. At Ithe upper end of the cable on the surfaceof the ground are any suitable source of electrical current -48 and a means 49 for indicating or recording the electrical conditions set up by the contacting means described above.

Referring specifically to Figures l, 4 and 5, it will benoted that above support 44 there extends a tubularbody 50, slotted longitudinally at 52 to is made. 'I'his is the total flow from the well.

permit the spacingl spr-ing guides 29 to extend outwardly and contact the inner surface of the tubing or casing in which the apparatus may be positioned. Desirably, springs 29 are provided with shoes 53 so that they will not be caught or worn through by contact with the wall of the casing or tubing during passage upwardly and downwardly through the tubing and casing. At the lower ends of springs 29 a bearing block 54 may be provided, to slide longitudinally within body and cause springs 29 to expand or contract equally. A hollow steel tube 55 is desirably positioned centrally within body 5U to protect cable 29 from injury and also serves to give an inner bearing for block 54. Y

The operation of this method will be obvious from the foregoing discussion and description. With the control apparatus I3 and I5 associated with casing head I2 adjusted to provide the desired fluid ow and pressure conditions for the well, a flow indicating means, such as the one just described, preferably together with means for determining the density and the temperature of the uid at a given point in the well adjacent the flow indicating means, are lowered to-a point above the uppermost perforation zone I1. After a sucient period of time has elapsed for flow conditions to become steady, a determination of flow rate, temperature and density of fluid By 1 lowering these devices to successive points in the any electric current transmitted through cable 28.

If the fluid flow acting upon the impellers 30 is in well casingnfor example immediately above perforatlons I8, I9 or 20, which are open to the corresponding producing zones B, C and D, other readings of ilow direction, flow rate, density and temperature may be obtained. By suitably comparing these data, that proportion of flow which comes from or is lost to any single zone through its respective perforations may be determined. Obviously, the sequence of such operations and the means and method for determining temperature, density and ow are dependent upon the individual well conditions and are not to be limited by the apparatus here shown or the pro- 1. A method of testing the productivity of each of a plurality of strata communicating with a well bore containing a fixed casing perforated in zones opposite each of said strata, the upper part of said casing above said strata being imperforate and providing a fluid passage to the surface, comprising the steps of maintaining all of said perforations open to said casing and successively measuring the unobstructed longitudinal ow rate and direction in said casing at predetermined intervals adjacent said perforation zones.

2. A method of testing the productivity of each of a plurality of strata communicating with a well bore containing a xed casing perforated in zones opposite each of said strata, the upper part of said casing above said strata being imperforate and providing a uid passage to the surface, comprising the steps of maintaining all of said perforations open to said casing and measuring the unobstructed longitudinal flow rate and direction between said perforation zones, measuring the unobstructed longitudinal ow rate and direction of the iiuids passing through the imperforate upper partv of said casing to determine the total ow from said well, and calculating the proportion of the total ow each stratum contributes to or receives from the uids in said casing.

3. A method of determining the most productive zone of a plurality of zones communicating with a substantially unobstructed well bore, comprising the steps of measuring flow rate and direotion between adjacent zones open to said well bore, measuring the ow rate of the total fluid produced by said well, and increasing the back pressure against the total uid ow until said flow rate and direction measurements between adjacent zones indicates that. only one of said zones is passing fluid into said well.

. 4. A method of testing the productivity of each of a plurality of strata communicating with a substantially unobstructed well bore comprising the steps of lowering a fluid flow meter through said bore successively past said strata, measuring the rate and direction of longitudinal uid flow at points above and below said strata, and calculating the proportion of the total iow each stratum contributes to or receives from the uids in said well bore.

JAMES E. GOSLINE. WILLIAM R. POSTLEWAITE WALTER G. MILLER. 

